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Miami aims to establish the run in toughest challenge

By Brad Milner | News Herald Writer

Published: Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 08:07 PM.

Morris update: Miami starting quarterback Stephen Morris practiced for the first time this week on Wednesday, but was still limited with an ankle injury. Backup quarterback Ryan Williams led the starters in practice and Golden said the team is moving forward as if Morris can’t start. Morris was listed as doubtful on Miami’s Thursday injury report and Golden said the junior will play if he made strides over the next three days.

Golden was asked if he would talk to Morris about possibility of sitting out. He scoffed at the notion and said it’s Morris’ decision.

“I’m not going to have that conversation with Stephen. If you want to have that with him, go right ahead, that’s not going to go very well,” Golden said. “We all only get so many shots at this. I’m not going to ask him to sit out the Florida State game or for any game, to be honest with you.

“If he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go. If you see him out there, it’s because he is ready to go and he can execute in that game. If he’s not, then that question is answered.”

CORAL GABLES — Al Golden didn’t slam his fists on the podium during his weekly press conference, but he just as fervently stressed the importance of establishing the running game.

The Hurricanes have won three of four games when rushing for 175 yards or more and they controlled the clock in the defeat, against North Carolina last week, to limit a Tar Heels’ offense to 26 points less than their season average. Saturday’s opponent, No. 12 Florida State, will provide the toughest test for a solid Miami offensive line and group of running backs looking to do what few teams have accomplished this season.

FSU (6-1, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) is ranked fifth in the nation in rushing defense, giving up just 74 yards per game. Only two teams, Clemson and USF, finished with more than 100 yards against the Seminoles. Both of those games ended in FSU victories.

Freshman Duke Johnson leads Miami with 428 yards and five touchdowns on 74 carries. Senior Mike James is tops in carries with 88 and is second in rushing yards (402) and touchdowns (four). James also has been used successfully in the Wildcat formation.

Johnson is still recovering from turf toe, but he hasn’t missed a game. He has been capped at 14 carries twice and Golden said the freshman needs more work.

“We need him to play more. Clearly we are all surprised by his ability,” Golden said. “He’s a tough kid for him to do what he did.

“He did not practice at all last week, didn’t even lace up. He went out there and torqued on his foot, planted, and had yards after contact, didn’t just go down.”

Johnson had 47 yards in an 18-14 loss to North Carolina. He went without a reception for the first time this season and James led Miami (4-3, 3-1) with a season-high 96 yards and his first touchdown in three games.

James was a bystander in last year’s 23-19 FSU win, the Seminoles holding him to 16 yards on four carries. Miami outgained FSU 140-63 behind Lamar Miller’s 92, however, which helped keep the game close. The same was true in last week’s defeat, as Miami’s defense, statistically one of the nation’s worst, was aided by ball control on offense.

“People are saying last week we held a team that scored 44 points per game to 18,” Golden said. “They don’t understand that maybe the offense had something to do with that, running the ball effectively and holding it to 30 minutes.

“You can’t abandon the run against this team. You’re going to get some negatives. They’re very good up front. There are some things to do, you have to block them.”

The simplicity of the latter statement is more difficult in practice. But Golden is confident in an offensive line that has proved to be stout against the pass and run. It’s a group that hasn’t faced the talent and depth of FSU, with Golden noting the Seminoles’ rotation of more than 14 players to keep fresh bodies on the field.

Conversely, this may be one of the best offensive lines FSU has faced in eight games. Miami’s line averages 317 pounds and no starter is shorter than 6-foot-4. The unit has been able to control the line of scrimmage at times, especially when the running game is working, and Golden said the key is staying with the plan and trusting in his players.

“To be honest with you, this is a great challenge. Greatest challenge of the year if you are on the offensive line,” Golden said. “The greatest challenge so far this year and this season for us. The test is Saturday night. We’ll evaluate that.”

Morris update: Miami starting quarterback Stephen Morris practiced for the first time this week on Wednesday, but was still limited with an ankle injury. Backup quarterback Ryan Williams led the starters in practice and Golden said the team is moving forward as if Morris can’t start. Morris was listed as doubtful on Miami’s Thursday injury report and Golden said the junior will play if he made strides over the next three days.

Golden was asked if he would talk to Morris about possibility of sitting out. He scoffed at the notion and said it’s Morris’ decision.

“I’m not going to have that conversation with Stephen. If you want to have that with him, go right ahead, that’s not going to go very well,” Golden said. “We all only get so many shots at this. I’m not going to ask him to sit out the Florida State game or for any game, to be honest with you.

“If he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go. If you see him out there, it’s because he is ready to go and he can execute in that game. If he’s not, then that question is answered.”

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